Denis Does The Double at Flexi Eventing

Excitement continues to mount in the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing League where there was still movement on the leaderboard going into the penultimate round. It was a mixed day, weather wise, with some competitors enjoying the sunshine while others were unfortunate to get caught up in the sharp shower that invaded late morning.

However, sunshine and showers seemed to be the perfect mix for Denis Currie who stole the show with a double victory partnering his perfect and trusty companion, Arodstown Aramis, who is no stranger to leading a dressage field. The combination got 71.3% from Angelene Nicholson in the Novice class and 71.6% in the Intermediate section plus a double clear in showjumping to gain very valuable points and a chance to take a significant slice of the £1000 prize money very kindly sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds.

Taking second place to Denis in the Novice was Lucy Hanna who also broke the 70% barrier with Brian, her home bred six year old by September Storm who was a winner at the Flexi Eventing back in week one. Helen Faulkner who has been a regular supporter of this popular Series took the runner up spot in the Intermediate class with Lady Ann Cunningham’s gelding, Danny.

The Intro class this week was not divided and the huge entry was judged by Fran Warden who reserved her top marks for Nicky Nesbitt and her Crosstown Dancer mare, Carrickview Saratoga, whose consistency in this League has been exceptionally impressive as was their score of 78%. This Irish Draft Mare’s confidence has certainly grown over the past seven weeks and we look forward to seeing what the eventing season holds for the combination. Gemma Goodrich slotted into second place with Carole Young’s striking mare, Lisnamuck Ab Fab, a six year old which Carole bought as a two year old, following the King of Diamonds breeding on the Dam side. This result was more remarkable given that Gemma had taken the ride just three days prior to the Saturday competition. We all look forward to following this mare’s progress as she joins the ranks of the EI90 competitors in a few weeks time.

The Pre Novice class, judged by Jackie Reid, was another heavily subscribed class but one where talent was very obvious.

Sharing the spoils in top place were Nichola Wray on Lady Grey V1 and Jenny Nixon on Harley, both finishing on 70.3%. Nichola has been eventing with her nine year old mare since 2016, having moved up to EI 100 level towards the end of last season and her results in the Flexi Eventing have been impressive. Equally impressive, has been Jenny Nixon on Harley, a seven year old grey geldingby Cruise On Harley out of a mare by Vriend. The pair have also had two previous wins in the League and, undoubtedly, have a promising season ahead.

Showjumping had their biggest entry to date with a very high standard of jumping across the board. It was busy in Arena 3,too, where the cross country competitors had a fabulous selection of fences which caught some unsuspecting four legged friends out.

Once again, sincere thanks to all Judges, Scribes, Admin Staff, Scorers, Call Up Stewards (who braved the heavy rain with great stamina), Arena Parties and everyone whose contribution helps to keep the day running very efficiently.

Next week sees the Grand Final of this League which, to date, has seen almost 700 combinations compete.

Since results of the top 15 won’t be known until late in the day, it has been decided, in consultation with our Sponsor, that the presentation of prizes will take place at the Two Phase Event at Tyrella on 9 March. Further details will be given next week.